Issue by Issue – Micronauts #30

With this thirtieth issue, Bill Mantlo and Pat Broderick leave behind the war with Baron Karza and his minions to begin a new story, a quest for the missing Enigma Force which will take them throughout the Microverse in search of it. Things begin with the remaining Micronauts discussing their best course of action, of the obelisk seen in Commander Rann’s mind whilst being saved in a previous book, a set of clues that should lead them to what it is they seek so that they might avoid the ‘Time of Darkness and Great Distress’ that is coming. Coincidentally back on Earth, the physical representation of that object has been found and that brings Doctor Strange into the picture, a story to be told in a future issue. Such as it is, the Micronauts, minus Acroyear who has left the team for personal reasons, set out with Prince Pharoid and enter the realm of Oceania. Things immediately head south for the Micronauts as their ship is taken down and they do battle with a leviathan from the deep and when all is said and done, Mari and Rann are swallowed whole and borne beneath the waves by the monster. Arriving on the scene are the denizens of Oceania who to look to help the Micronauts rescue their comrades, but that help might come too late as Rann and Mari find themselves introduced to Aquon who tells them he is intent on saving them by turning them into water-breathers. Aquon also happens to hold one of the three keys that the Micronauts are searching for and gaining it might be easier said than done. There is a lot going on in this issue as Mantlo and Broderick pack it to the brim with more going on inside than perhaps any other issue thus far. What is really nice about it all is that there is little mention of Karza, though his shadow cannot help but hover. In its place, there is a lot of drama of varying kinds like a bit of hope here and a little hopelessness there and altogether, it makes for a truly great read. Though he is only in the book for a moment or two, Acroyear makes an impact, first with his leaving and secondly with the acceptance of the new role he must play with his people, should he ever see them again that is. The new characters introduced in Lady Coral and her people are both intriguing and exciting, namely as this is a new realm of the Microverse as yet unexplored. Best of all, this story does not take place on Earth, not as of this moment at least and while it looks like it could end up there at some point, for now, Mantlo and Broderick are giving readers something new and to put it lightly, it is good.